What makes opera so special and spectacular to witness? It’s not the same as watching a musical on Broadway, I would go as far to say it is a better experience. The way you watch it is also of importance. The area, the opera house or arena, the dress code, and the history of the place can increase the experience. The Verona opera house is important because of the history behind it. We will discuss this here as well as why opera is so special.
The Verona opera house, Arena di Verona, is like a “…less battered version of the Colosseum in Rome” (Tickitaly). It was built in 30 A.D. and was purposed for games, or ‘ludii’, which were circus like events to make the Roman government happy, like gladiator fighting. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1117, destroyed most of the outer ring. But, the time of the Renaissance saved the Arena and became use to theatre performances (Tickitaly).
The arena is world renowned for its monumental status, as well as its architecture, in the theatre world. “In 1913, the Arena was finally discovered for it has become known for today, as the first true and most important open-air opera theatre in the world” and “it is one of the best conserved monuments of its kind” (Arena di Verona). That is one of the reasons why it is loved by many. It is in great shape still.
The architecture is also what makes the arena so amazing. It makes it the most important monument in Roman Verona. “The tiers of the amphitheater are all made of Veronese marble. Underneath the tiers there are galleries, cells and passageways (which cannot be visited today) which once served and still serve, in art, for the complex operation of the amphitheater” (Arena di Verona).
Now that you know some history of the arena, let’s discuss opera. Opera is one of the many art forms of emotions. “Opera is a total art form which joins music, singing, drama, poetry, plastic arts and sometimes dance” (What is). All of this combined to perform a show for the “sight, hearing imagination and sensibility of the audience, where all human passions are at work” (What is).
How does opera work though? Like many theatre performances, there is a script, music, and the set designs to make it entertain the senses. “The libretto is the ‘script’ of an opera” and the singing isn’t like most theatre, it “…is sung by the artists in operas. The emotion and the intensity of singing have an impact on the weight and the meaning words” (What is). Then there is the music which “completes and exalts them by highlighting the intensity of situations and the characters’ passions and feelings” (What is).
The set design, or staging, has come a long way in theatre. A couple centuries ago, the productions were low and motionless. But, starting in the 20th century, it became more important when “singing and dramatic gifts began to be considered as equal” (What is). It’s not some straightforward design. In most operas, the sets are grand and play a key role in the stories environment.
The history of the Arena di Verona and knowing a few features about opera, it’s easy to see why people love it. It’s grand and magnificent. It’s not just beautifully long signing. There is a story to be told and an environment that plays a key role with each set makes opera truly a one of a kind outing. In the future, you should consider looking at tickets for them for they are truly an experience like no other, especially at the Arena di Verona, the world’s first open-air opera house.
References
Arena di Verona. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2017, from http://www.verona.com/en/guide/verona/Arena-di-Verona/
The Verona Opera Festival – opera festival information and introduction. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2017, from http://www.tickitaly.com/opera/verona/verona-opera-information.php
What is Opera? (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2017, from http://www.opera-europa.org/en/opera-resources/what-is-opera
